Dieting results in long term changes to hormones and muscle fibers.

[nobodyspecial]

23. That's because you need some protein and fat with every meal to feel full

Last edited Tue May 1, 2012, 06:31 PM - Edit history (1)

And the protein can come from a variety of sources -- dairy and eggs -- if you're octo-lavo and beans, soy, nuts, etc. if you're not. Your body needs cabs, protein and fat to function properly and you will be driven to eat until your body gets what it needs to fuel and rebuild itself. You should try to have all three in a meal or snack, allowing your activity level for the day and body type help guide you to the proper proportion.

For example, if you cut carbs out, your body starts eating protein -- your muscles -- to fuel itself. This loss of muscle mass and the amount of water that is flushed out in the process is why low-carb diets yield quick and dramatic results. However, it's not sustainable. And once you go back to a more balanced diet, you often end up gaining weight. Your body has eaten muscle mass, which raises your resting metabolism. The same diet you had before is going to result in even more weight gain because your basal metabolism has been lowered by the loss of muscle mass.

People need to get off the diet crazes and learn more about nutritional science. There is no magic. It's math. Calories in must be less than calories out to lose weight. And, the sad fact is, the less you weigh, the fewer calories you need, so you need to gradually reduce and then maintain that new calorie level once you reach your goal weight.

The shame is studies like this do more harm than good. The message is that diets don't work, which isn't true. EXTREME diets don't work is the truth. Anyone who has any sense would never recommend a 500 calorie diet.